Nail psoriasis belongs to one of the varieties of the disease, which primarily affects the skin.Like other types of pathology, this form has a chronic, non-infectious course with a relapsing nature.The main signs of damage to the nail plates from psoriasis are a change in their shape, loss of shine, the appearance of spots on the plate, as well as the complete detachment of the nail.
In this form, the skin around the plate also suffers significantly.Untimely and incorrect treatment can provoke complications such as severe deformations and complete loss of fingernails and toenails.
The treatment of psoriasis of the nails is similar to the treatment of its other types, but it also has its own characteristics.In this article, we will look at the symptoms, causes, and how to treat psoriasis of the toenails and fingernails.
Nail damage due to psoriasis can occur for a variety of reasons.Often this form occurs against the background of a form of pathology such as psoriatic arthritis.
In medical practice, this type is called nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy.It occurs quite rarely, but often occurs with complications and many unwanted symptoms.
The main causes of the pathology include the following provoking factors:
- frequent stress and emotional overstrain;
- improper metabolic processes of the body;
- chronic infectious diseases;
- poor circulation;
- nail damage and exposure to certain chemicals;
- genetic predisposition.
important!In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs due to damage to the nail plates from a bacterial infection.Diagnosing the disease in such cases is quite difficult;an experienced specialist must identify the disease.
Varieties
Psoriasis under the nails can develop in patients of different age categories, but in most cases it occurs in patients older than 35-40 years.There are several forms of the disease.These include:
Thimble syndrome
This type is characterized by plaque lesions in the form of point-like depressions.Most often, they are localized in a certain area of the nail, but there are often cases when the dents cover the entire nail.Outwardly, the plate is similar to a thimble, which is why this species is often called "thimble".
Onycholysis
This form has symptoms such as clouding of the nail, loss of color.This happens due to the lack of healthy blood microcirculation.As the disease progresses, the plate distorts and disappears.Only a small part of the slab at the base remains.
The appearance of hemorrhages
This refers to the formation of red or pink spots under the nails.These symptoms appear at the beginning of the pathology.Additional signs may appear, such as the appearance of bruises under the plate.There is also thickening of the nail and its layering.
How to distinguish nail psoriasis or fungus?
Patients are often interested in how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis.This issue is quite complex and requires consultation with a specialist.Laboratory tests are also required.Methods such as biopsy of dermal samples, as well as histological studies, help to exclude the fungus.
With the help of differential diagnosis, it is possible to exclude diseases that also tend to affect the nails.These include the following diseases:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatoses;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is also the absence of abnormalities in the composition of the blood.An increase in the level of leukocytes, as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation reaction, in most cases indicate the presence of infectious forms of pathology.
important!The difference between nail fungus and nail psoriasis can only be determined by laboratory tests.Outwardly, pathologies can be almost identical.
Main manifestations of the disease
Fingernail psoriasis, like toenail psoriasis, has many very unpleasant symptoms.Below you can see photos showing what psoriasis of the feet and nails looks like.So, let's look at the manifestations of the disease depending on its form.
Thimble psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- the appearance of furrows, depressions in the form of points;
- clouding of the plate;
- externally, the plate bends and acquires the shape of a hook;
- pain is felt on pressure.
Onycholysis:
- change in the color of the plate;
- distortion of the nail, violation of its integrity;
- separation of the plate from the body of the finger.
hemorrhages:
- the appearance of red, brown and bluish spots under the nail;
- distortion of the shape of the plate, its blurring;
- capillary damage;
- Purulent discharge may be observed on pressure.
Depending on the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient, the symptoms may vary slightly.
How to treat nail psoriasis
Quite relevant today is the question of how to treat nail psoriasis?In modern medical practice, there are many ways to treat the disease.The main ones include:
- use of products for external application.
- Taking medication by mouth.
- Use of phototherapy and other physical treatments.
- The use of traditional medicine.
Next, we propose to consider each of the methods in more detail.
Treatment of nail psoriasis with creams and ointments
Psoriasis of the nails and its treatment with drugs in the early stages involves the use of external means.
Ointments can be hormonal and non-hormonal.The first are used for severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Fingernail and toenail psoriasis ointment can also be non-hormonal.These are drugs that contain zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have minimal side effects and are not addictive, but you have to wait quite a long time for their effect.Hormonal drugs give a quick effect, but can cause many complications.
Internal use of drugs
Treatment of the disease must be comprehensive.The following remedies can be used to eliminate the symptoms and restore the nails:
- Soothing.
- Immunomodulators.Medicines help to improve a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy methods has proven itself very well recently.Excellent results are given by ultraviolet therapy, as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, azonotherapy and excimer laser treatment.In medical practice, the following types of physiotherapy are most often used:
- UV radiation;
- PUVA therapy;
- X-ray therapy;
- use of ultrasound;
- laser treatment.
important!The duration of the sessions and their number should be determined by an experienced specialist.Self-medication with these methods is strictly prohibited, as it often causes many side effects.
The role of traditional medicine
Treatment of nail psoriasis with folk remedies has long been used as a full-fledged type of therapy.So, below we will find out how to treat nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes that help to cope with the symptoms of the pathology.The most popular drugs include the following:
Decoction of yellow flowers
For 500 ml of water you will need 2 tbsp.l herbs.Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat and cook for 30-40 minutes.The decoction is used for baths;it is dissolved in water in a ratio of 1:2 and the nails are immersed in it for 20-25 minutes.
Treatment of nail psoriasis with natural oils
Sea buckthorn oil relieves inflammation very well.It softens the affected areas, enriches the nails with useful vitamins and minerals.To do this, apply oil to the plates using a cotton swab and leave it for 30-40 minutes.The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day.
attention!If you decide to treat nail psoriasis yourself, consult your doctor before doing so, self-medication can harm your health!
Using the bow
Fresh onions are passed through a meat grinder and the resulting pulp is applied to the affected nails.Cover with cheesecloth on top and leave for 30 minutes.The course of treatment continues until a healthy nail grows.Nail psoriasis is considered a serious chronic disease.It is very important to diagnose the disease in time and start the necessary treatment.This will help you keep your legs and arms healthy, as well as avoid many unpleasant complications.